"When is the last time you tuned into your heart and listened for what it carries? The more we practice listening to the conversation in our own hearts, the better prepared we are to tune into others' hearts and listen for what their hearts carry. Moreover, being still, getting quiet and listening within increases our attunement to the voice that dwells deep in our hearts . . . . As we become more mindful of the conversation in our own hearts -- our joys, griefs, hopes and concerns -- we are more likely to speak the truth of our hearts and to listen for the voice of the true self yearning to be revealed in another's heart." (from Conversation: the Sacred Art-- Practicing Presence in an Age of Distraction by Diane M. Millis)

Diane gently directs us in our work as spiritual beings. Sometimes I think of spirituality as the intersection of psychology and theology. An encounter with God will be personal. But we have to be honest to hear the conversation going on deep inside.

When I began listening, I was frighted. You may not be. I experienced God in the shadows and there found a priceless treasure, my true self, being held in God all this time.

What relevance do our feelings have? They are passing, aren't they? Always, changing. So what good are they? Our feelings instruct us in the quality of our relationships, which is one pathway to honest engagement in our lives.